Information regarding the coronavirus Covid-19

Sweden now has a serious spreading of the coronavirus infection. Society will need to take a wide range of measures, particularly to protect those who need it the most. It is important that all citizens follow the authorities advice, keep themselves informed, and help to reduce further contagion. Here you can find information in English and also some information in sign language, Dari (دری), Arabic (العربية), Tigrinyan (ትግርኛ, tigriññā) and Somali (af Soomaali).

The municipality of Västervik acts as an employer and care provider in a number of ways regarding this matter. The municipality contributes to the dissemination of known facts about the virus, the disease, what to do if you or someone in your family has symptoms and how we should act to not spread the disease or incorrect information about the virus.

Risk for society

The goal is to ensure the function of our society, particularly activities of social importance such as medical care. A major drop-out of staff in our operations would lead to further difficulties for already vulnerable groups. The challenge, then, lies in keeping ourselves healthy and going to work, and at the same time paying attention to symptoms and not exposing others to infection.

Risk groups

According to a large Chinese study, older people and people with underlying illnesses are over-represented among the seriously ill. But the study also shows that only a very small proportion of these groups suffer from severe infection. Reports from Italy also indicate that people over the age of 85 are the most vulnerable. (Source: The Public Health Agency of Sweden)

Symptoms

The signs of infection are respiratory symptoms, fever and cough. Most people who get the virus do not become seriously ill. However, a number of cases with more severe symptoms have been reported, as have fatalities. There is no evidence of residual chronic conditions after individuals have recovered. (Source: The Public Health Agency of Sweden)

Precautionary routines

To further reduce the risk of becoming infected or infecting others, we can carry out precautionary routines in our workplaces, at leisure and in our homes:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your face or eyes and avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue
• Keep your distance and minimize unnecessary meetings, visits and contacts
• Don't stay home out of concern, help us keep the community going, but stay at home if you have symptoms of disease
• Keep up to date with information from the municipality and the authorities and be vigilant about disinformation 
• Pay particular attention in the presence of people at risk (elderly and already ill)